May Move Scheduled...

At the top of the page is a category called "the move". One of the drop downs is called "what to expect'. Start there.

We discuss schools here ad nauseum. Plan on your children attending private schools. Once you get here, you may decide to go public, but you cannot use that as your default position. Tuition for the 16 yo will be at least $10,000 a year.

You will probably want to live west of C'sted if you are going to UVI.

Read a little and then come back to ask specific questions.

"Why private schools?" you may wonder. I did, until we moved here. In most stateside cities you have your public schools spread out all over town. In the lower income parts of town the schoold tend to be a bit rough and have low scores. In the wealthy parts of town you have your snooty public schools where a lot is expected and kids generally do well. And most of the schools are middle class.

In St. Croix, there is no wealthy or middle class part of the island, at least as far as school districts go. It's generally low income everywhere. I worked in a public school here for a while. The staff talks a lot about the importance of education. The students have no desire to become educated, for a variety of reason I'll not go into. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with our public schools, but they just don't line up with what Americans are used to, if you happen to be an American. Remember, St. Croix may be under the American flag, but that doesn't mean much to most people here. These are Caribbean people. American culture is something they see on TV but really have never experienced, for the most part.

And the private schools are like the public schools I attended in the states, except very plain, not air conditioned, and you have to pay for them.

If you're looking for a place to rent, I have a 3bd, 2.5 bath condo centrally located, great view, breezy, big pool, and secure. let me know and I'll put you in touch with the property manager. Welcome aboard! Andy

Have you considered waiting until your 16 year old graduates from high school?

Just wanted to make sure you know you will have to pay out of state tuition for the first year until you establish yourself as a resident.

Up at the top there is a SEARCH button. Click on it and type schools, private schools, public schools etc... then click general relocating and select all dates. You will find a TON of info. Public schools are mostly pretty awful here and the private are very expensive. UVI is nothing special either. I would think about this long and hard. Best of luck.

Thank you all for your insight. We appreciate it very much. I will continue to research schools, rentals etc.

@ Juanita, we did consider staying in the states until he graduates but, he is just as excited as we are about the move. We have been in some pretty undesirable places with less than par schools and always found a way to make it work. I appreciate your honesty.

@ Linda J & Shdoug thank you for the insight into the schools, always good to know ahead of time.

@ Conchyjoe I welcome any and all information on a place to live, thank you.

Anyone have info on the University or the nursing program? that would be a big help.

Thanks Again,
Terry

I work with some nurses who graduated from UVI, and they are excellent. (tu)

Happy New Year Linda and Family,

Here is a link to the condo. It is in very nice condition and location, with most of the units owner occupied. There is another nursing student renting a unit in the front of the complex.

Our boys finished high school there and had a great experience. One was going into junior year and one freshman when we arrived. They went to Country Day. It is a private school with a consistent teaching staff and great headmaster. They enjoyed the ability to go surfing before school in the morning.

http://www.calabashrealtors.com/Slide%20Shows/Rentals/calabash-rentals-template-questa-verde.html

I may be selling my jeep wrangler also if you are in the market. It is a 2000 with hard top, roof rack and 2" body lift. Most of the miles are highway miles from the states. PERFECT island car $6000 obo. If you want to discuss more, send an email to atyuhas@hotmail.com.

All the best,
Andy

Thank you all for the helpful information. We cannot wait until it is time to move and possibly meet some of you :-). I know I will continue to have questions but, I have done as suggested and checked the "search" and it is super helpful too. I'm happy to have found this message board.